Determination
Determination……it’s what pulls you through to the other side of a a lofty goal. It’s been 10 years since I did my first and last triathlon. A friend of mine had reached out to me about a local women’s tri that was a few months away and asked if I would be willing to train and complete with her. I said yes and then almost immediately, had “buyers remorse”…….LOL. “What the hell did I just agree to? I can’t swim!” To set the record straight, I’m able to dog-paddle my way in the deep end of a pool, but swimming across a lake……not so much!
My friend assured me we would work together on my swimming skills and we signed up for a three month membership to a local gym/pool. In the beginning we would train together during the weekends since we both had children in school sports and full time jobs. I was also carrying a full load in my undergraduate degree program…….YIKES! Once school was out and sports were rapping up, we trained hard, usually six days most weeks.
Once the weather was warmer we moved from the indoor pool to the lake. My friend gave me pointers, but ultimately it was trial and error and frankly my form wasn’t the best and on top of that, I didn’t like to submerge my nose under water……can you imagine?
We also rode miles and miles training for the bicycle portion and once we learned the triathlon route, completed a few of those as well. It was tough and sections of the route were on busy roads, but we were determined to train as hard as we could.
We had gone the day before the event to drop off our bikes, sign in, get our race numbers and listen to speakers talk about endurance, and tips about race day. We learned about the many volunteers that would help make our day easy. We also learned about the “water angels” that would be situated in the lake during the swim portion to help assist and cheer us on. Swimming a half mile across the lake was the portion I felt the most apprehension about due to the lack of swimming ability, but was assured I could use a noodle as a safety measure.
The morning of the race we were to arrive early to get settled, check on our bikes and walk around the lake to the starting point for the swim; our first leg of the race. As the groups were being called, I was nervous but kept reassuring myself I could do it. Once it was our time, I was able to grab a noodle, get into the water and we were off. It took me a few minutes to settle into a good routine, but I put the noodle directly under my arms and was able to keep pretty good form switching from the breast stroke and side stroke. I was feeling great in the water, making good progress and could see the shore in the distance when all of a sudden one of the “water angels” approached me. She tried to take the noodle from me. WHAT? She told me I didn’t want to reach the shore with the noodle and how I wouldn’t want my friends and family to see me using a noodle. I told her they all knew I couldn’t swim and they wouldn’t care.
This devil of a water angel stopped my progress and grabbed the noodle. Almost immediately both of my legs seized up and started cramping. I was drowning trying to stay afloat. By this time I was mad and insisted she give it back to me; reluctantly she did. I was able to stabilize myself and tried to massage my cramping calves while hanging on for dear life with my noodle. Once somewhat composed, I started again toward shore, trying desperately to get my groove back and next thing I knew the devil was back taking my noodle again and telling me not to get out of the water with the noodle. FOR THE LOVE OF! At this point, noodle-less, I struggled to shore, legs cramping again trying to get up the steep incline to find my bike and start the second leg of the race.
I was determined to make up some time during the bicycle portion and what I thought was my strongest leg. Mile after mile pushing myself against the wind on some of the tougher portions. About three quarters of a mile to the finish line, my tire popped…….”Are you kidding me?” I had to jump off and push my bike to the finish line as the crowd cheered me on.
At this point I had no idea where my friends were and assumed I had fallen way behind, but with determination started on my third and final leg of the race. Instead of reveling in my accomplishments thus far, I was disappointed in my experience in the water and the popped tire. I lost a bit of steam but kept pushing on and came to realize what I had just accomplished. I never ran into my friends again until I crossed the finish line.
Also waiting for me with open arms was my Dad. He couldn’t have been more proud of his baby girl. It didn’t matter if I finished first or last. He saw the determination, grit and courage it took me to persevere. When I think back on the training and commitment, I’m proud of myself. Years later, I often used the experience to get me through other tough challenges. If I could swim across a lake, I could do anything. What gives you strength and courage to move forward with a dream or goal? Use it to fuel you. Don’t let the neigh sayers stop you from what’s in your heart. You can do it!
